Holly Hill 'dreams big' for filling old school site

Published: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 3:56 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:54 p.m.

HOLLY HILL — Resident Toni Anderson isn't sure what should be developed on Holly Hill's old middle school site.

"You have to get the right thing in there," she said. "What? Now that's the question I can't answer."

But city and planning officials are hoping they can come up with some answers on what to do with the 25 acres off Center Avenue and near LPGA Boulevard.

On Tuesday, residents and city staff met at Sica Hall Community Center to discuss potential development of the site. Guided by a design team organized by Orlando-based consultant Smith + Murray Studios, residents pitched ideas in two meetings on what could be developed on the land, which was purchased in 2011 and has an existing gym, media center, dirt running track and parking lot.

Those in attendance Tuesday then voted on some of the ideas. Here are some of the ideas during the first session that received the most votes:

A mixed-use development to include a residential and recreation concept;

A sports recreation destination;

An attractive site for locals, including children and senior citizens;

A gated, upscale community.

One idea that seemed to gain traction during the afternoon session among residents was a need for the property to be visible from LPGA Boulevard. Currently, a strip of land containing several multifamily housing units separates the land from LPGA.

Ramon Murray, representing Smith + Murray Studios, said the design team will take the ideas presented during Tuesday's meetings and bring back two conceptual plans for residents to view next month. Those meetings are scheduled for noon-2 p.m. at The Market, 101 Second St., and 5-6:45 p.m. at Building 6, Room 613 of Holly Hill School, 1500 Center Ave.

Murray said another meeting will be held June 11 to show the public a preliminary final design. A final design will be presented to the City Commission June 25.

Marcie Freeman, who has lived on Center Avenue for the last 20 years, said she envisions a mixed-use development.

"I'm glad I'm able to have input," she said. "I've always wished I could have a voice. I had one today."

Ultimately, it will be up to city commissioners to decide what is developed on the land, and the plan will then have to be approved by the county.

Commissioner John Penny, who attended the afternoon session, said he doesn't know what should be developed on the site but it should be first-class.

"If you're going to dream, you should dream big," he said.

Mayor Roy Johnson, who believes the site should have a revenue-generating aspect, encouraged more citizens to come out to help form what could be a big part of the city and future generations.

"We need to have something that will be running out there for a long time," he said. "We're not going to be around forever."

<p>HOLLY HILL &mdash; Resident Toni Anderson isn't sure what should be developed on Holly Hill's old middle school site. </p><p>"You have to get the right thing in there," she said. "What? Now that's the question I can't answer." </p><p>But city and planning officials are hoping they can come up with some answers on what to do with the 25 acres off Center Avenue and near LPGA Boulevard. </p><p>On Tuesday, residents and city staff met at Sica Hall Community Center to discuss potential development of the site. Guided by a design team organized by Orlando-based consultant Smith + Murray Studios, residents pitched ideas in two meetings on what could be developed on the land, which was purchased in 2011 and has an existing gym, media center, dirt running track and parking lot. </p><p>Those in attendance Tuesday then voted on some of the ideas. Here are some of the ideas during the first session that received the most votes: </p><p>A mixed-use development to include a residential and recreation concept; </p><p>A sports recreation destination; </p><p>An attractive site for locals, including children and senior citizens; </p><p>A gated, upscale community. </p><p>One idea that seemed to gain traction during the afternoon session among residents was a need for the property to be visible from LPGA Boulevard. Currently, a strip of land containing several multifamily housing units separates the land from LPGA. </p><p>Ramon Murray, representing Smith + Murray Studios, said the design team will take the ideas presented during Tuesday's meetings and bring back two conceptual plans for residents to view next month. Those meetings are scheduled for noon-2 p.m. at The Market, 101 Second St., and 5-6:45 p.m. at Building 6, Room 613 of Holly Hill School, 1500 Center Ave. </p><p>Murray said another meeting will be held June 11 to show the public a preliminary final design. A final design will be presented to the City Commission June 25. </p><p>Marcie Freeman, who has lived on Center Avenue for the last 20 years, said she envisions a mixed-use development. </p><p>"I'm glad I'm able to have input," she said. "I've always wished I could have a voice. I had one today." </p><p>Ultimately, it will be up to city commissioners to decide what is developed on the land, and the plan will then have to be approved by the county. </p><p>Commissioner John Penny, who attended the afternoon session, said he doesn't know what should be developed on the site but it should be first-class. </p><p>"If you're going to dream, you should dream big," he said. </p><p>Mayor Roy Johnson, who believes the site should have a revenue-generating aspect, encouraged more citizens to come out to help form what could be a big part of the city and future generations. </p><p>"We need to have something that will be running out there for a long time," he said. "We're not going to be around forever."</p>